The New Gypsies
Renowned for his work in fashion editorial campaigns and social documentary, photographer Iain McKell’s fascinating book immerses us in the world of The New Gypsies.
Bringing our attention to the British horse-drawn travellers, these New Gypsies sport elaborately decorated caravans and share a desire for freedom of the open road, self-reliance and a disdain for the trappings of contemporary life. Preferring to describe this photographic series as “a personal journey not a documentary,” McKell’s body of work spans over ten years spent with the “small tribe”, many of which he has developed strong relationships with and seen grow up.
Opening with six images of New Age travelers in 1985, that McKell calls “the precursors,” the book goes on to strikingly capture the personalities of the Horsedrawn, presenting a way of life and set of ideals far from those of our western capitalist society. Often viewed as an inferior counterculture this publication brings to light these misconceptions and through Mckell’s distinctly fashion aesthetic and abandonment of traditional documentary traits, portrays a wonderful sense of community and forward thinking attitude – “where freedom is not in their country but their heads.”
…I reckon the majority should be on the set of Pirates of the Caribbean – brilliant!
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